Anorexia refers to a prolonged period of reduced or lost appetite.
The causes of anorexia are multifaceted. Some children eat only snacks such as candy and show no interest in nutritious family meals; over time, this can affect their growth and development, so these eating habits must be corrected. In some children, anorexia results from overeating that damages the spleen and stomach; in others, it stems from acquired weakness of the spleen and stomach, leading to impaired spleen function and a loss of appetite. Some cases of anorexia in children are caused by certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as acute gastroenteritis, which reduces the secretion of digestive juices and can also lead to anorexia. Additionally, some children experience anorexia as a side effect of taking antibiotics. Of course, there are also cases caused by underlying diseases, such as hepatitis, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and certain vitamin deficiencies. Modern medical research suggests that a deficiency of zinc in the body can affect appetite and digestive function.
Children suffering from anorexia may exhibit a pale complexion, emaciation, and restlessness. Prolonged anorexia leads to insufficient protein intake, which can impair a child’s nutritional development.
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to anorexia as “poor appetite” or “aversion to food,” and views this condition as resulting from a dysfunction of the spleen and stomach caused by various factors. If the spleen and stomach are inherently deficient, with impaired transport and transformation functions and a lack of control over food intake, the child will have a poor appetite and experience loose stools and weakness. If spleen qi is deficient, the spleen fails to function properly, and the spleen and stomach are out of harmony, the child will lose the sense of taste and have no desire to eat. Over time, with a lack of sources for the generation of qi and blood, the child’s complexion will become dull, weight gain will cease, the spleen will fail to distribute essence, the skin will lose its moisture, and the body will become emaciated.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Differential Diagnosis and Treatment for Anorexia:
For cases of spleen-stomach deficiency with food stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract, the “Harmonize the Stomach and Promote Appetite Decoction” may be used. It harmonizes the stomach, aids digestion, strengthens the spleen, and promotes transport and transformation, and is primarily indicated for pediatric anorexia. Formula: Shenqu, Shan Zha, Roasted Barley Malt, Prepared Banxia, Poria, Chenpi, Fried Licorice, and Mu Xiang. Adjust the formula according to the specific symptoms.
For cases of spleen qi deficiency accompanied by stagnation of milk or food, the “Appetite-Restoring Formula” (Si Shi Fang) may be used. This formula strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, aids digestion, and resolves food stagnation. It is primarily used to treat pediatric anorexia, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and foul-smelling stools. Ingredients: Raw Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Bai Fu Ling), Papaya (Mu Gua), Dendrobium (Shi Hu), Barley Sprouts (Gu Ya), Shenqu, and Rock Sugar (Bing Tang).
For cases of spleen deficiency complicated by food stagnation, treat with the Huai Qu San formula. This formula warms the middle burner, strengthens the spleen, nourishes the stomach, and stimulates appetite. It is indicated for pediatric symptoms such as lack of appetite for breast milk or solid food, a sallow complexion, epigastric distension, occasional vomiting, pale lips and tongue, and a thick, greasy white tongue coating. Formula ingredients: Huai Shan Yao, wine lees qu, Poria, and Clove.